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Mi N, Li Z, Zhang X, Gao Y, Wang Y, Liu S, Wang S. Identification of potential immunotherapeutic targets and prognostic biomarkers in Graves' disease using weighted gene co-expression network analysis. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27175. [PMID: 38468967 PMCID: PMC10926144 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Graves' disease (GD) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by hyperthyroidism resulting from autoantibody-induced stimulation of the thyroid gland. Despite recent advancements in understanding GD's pathogenesis, the molecular processes driving disease progression and treatment response remain poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to identify crucial immunogenic factors associated with GD prognosis and immunotherapeutic response. To achieve this, we implemented a comprehensive screening strategy that combined computational immunogenicity-potential scoring with multi-parametric cluster analysis to assess the immunomodulatory genes in GD-related subtypes involving stromal and immune cells. Utilizing weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), we identified co-expressed gene modules linked to cellular senescence and immune infiltration in CD4+ and CD8+ GD samples. Additionally, gene set enrichment analysis enabled the identification of hallmark pathways distinguishing high- and low-immune subtypes. Our WGCNA analysis revealed 21 gene co-expression modules comprising 1,541 genes associated with immune infiltration components in various stages of GD, including T cells, M1 and M2 macrophages, NK cells, and Tregs. These genes primarily participated in T cell proliferation through purinergic signaling pathways, particularly neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions, and DNA binding transcription factor activity. Three genes, namely PRSS1, HCRTR1, and P2RY4, exhibited robustness in GD patients across multiple stages and were involved in immune cell infiltration during the late stage of GD (p < 0.05). Importantly, HCRTR1 and P2RY4 emerged as potential prognostic signatures for predicting overall survival in high-immunocore GD patients (p < 0.05). Overall, our study provides novel insights into the molecular mechanisms driving GD progression and highlights potential key immunogens for further investigation. These findings underscore the significance of immune infiltration-related cellular senescence in GD therapy and present promising targets for the development of new immunotherapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nianrong Mi
- Department of General Practice, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250013, China
| | - Zhe Li
- Department of Health Management Center, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250013, China
| | - Xueling Zhang
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250013, China
| | - Yingjing Gao
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250013, China
| | - Yanan Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250013, China
| | - Siyan Liu
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250013, China
| | - Shaolian Wang
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250013, China
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Sheremeta M, Korchagina M, Trukhin A, Nagaeva E, Bezlepkina O, Peterkova V. Thyroid volume is the key predictor of hyperthyroidism remission after radioactive iodine therapy in pediatric patients. Eur J Pediatr 2023; 182:4931-4937. [PMID: 37606704 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-023-05153-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Graves' disease (GD) is the leading cause of hyperthyroidism in pediatric patients. Radioactive iodine therapy (RAIT) is widely used to treat GD. However, it is still unclear exactly what determines the efficacy of RAIT in childhood and adolescence. The objective of our study was to reveal the most significant predictors of the efficacy of RAIT in pediatric GD patients. A single-center prospective observational exploratory study enrolled 144 pediatric patients (124 females and 20 males) between 8 and 18 years of age who underwent dosimetry-guided RAIT for GD for the first time. The estimated parameters included sex, age, thyroid volume, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibodies (TRABs) at baseline and 12 months after RAIT, 10- to 20-min 99mTc thyroid uptake (%), maximum thyroid 131I uptake (%), specific 131I uptake (MBq/g), and therapeutic activity of 131I (MBq), which was limited to 1100 MBq. The Fisher's exact test, Mann-Whitney U-test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, ROC analysis, and the Youden index were used for statistical analysis. Twelve months after RAIT, 119 patients (83%) successfully achieved remission, 6 patients (4%) had euthyroidism, and hyperthyroidism persisted in 19 patients (13%). Thyroid volume decreased from 17.6 [14.6; 24.1] to 9.3 [7.6; 13.3] mL 12 months after the treatment (p < 0.001). The main predictor that showed a statistically significant difference between the groups of patients who achieved and did not achieve remission of GD hyperthyroidism after RAIT was the initial thyroid volume. Using the Youden index, the optimal cut-off point for the initial thyroid volume at 45.4 mL was determined. Conclusion: The dosimetry-guided RAIT in pediatric GD patients was 83% effective at 12 months after the treatment, and the initial thyroid volume of less than 45.4 mL was the most important predictor of RAIT success. Other predictors identified in our work included FT4 levels, TRABs levels, 99mTc-pertechnetate uptake, and specific 131I uptake. What is Known: •Radioiodine therapy is a common, effective, and safe treatment for pediatric patients with Graves' disease. What is New: •The initial thyroid volume in pediatric GD patients is an important predictor of achieving hypothyroidism following radioiodine therapy. If the thyroid volume is less than 45.4 ml, radioiodine therapy limited to 1100 MBq will be effective definitive treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Sheremeta
- Department of Radionuclide Diagnostics and Therapy, Endocrinology Research Centre, Moscow, Russia.
| | - Maria Korchagina
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexey Trukhin
- Department of Radionuclide Diagnostics and Therapy, Endocrinology Research Centre, Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena Nagaeva
- Department of Pediatric Thyroidology, Reproductive and Somatic Development, Endocrinology Research Centre, Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga Bezlepkina
- Institute of Pediatric Endocrinology, Endocrinology Research Centre, Moscow, Russia
| | - Valentina Peterkova
- Institute of Pediatric Endocrinology, Endocrinology Research Centre, Moscow, Russia
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Campennì A, Avram AM, Verburg FA, Iakovou I, Hänscheid H, de Keizer B, Petranović Ovčariček P, Giovanella L. The EANM guideline on radioiodine therapy of benign thyroid disease. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2023; 50:3324-3348. [PMID: 37395802 PMCID: PMC10542302 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-023-06274-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
This document provides the new EANM guideline on radioiodine therapy of benign thyroid disease. Its aim is to guide nuclear medicine physicians, endocrinologists, and practitioners in the selection of patients for radioiodine therapy. Its recommendations on patients' preparation, empiric and dosimetric therapeutic approaches, applied radioiodine activity, radiation protection requirements, and patients follow-up after administration of radioiodine therapy are extensively discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Campennì
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morpho-Functional Imaging, Unit of Nuclear Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Anca M Avram
- Departments of Radiology and Medicine, MetroHealth Hospital, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Frederik A Verburg
- Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Ioannis Iakovou
- Academic Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital AHEPA, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
- Academic Department of Nuclear Medicine, General Hospital Papageorgiou, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Heribert Hänscheid
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Bart de Keizer
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Petra Petranović Ovčariček
- Department of Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Center Sestre Milosrdnice, Zagreb, Croatia
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Luca Giovanella
- Clinic for Nuclear Medicine, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Imaging Institute of Southern Switzerland, Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Clinic for Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Abstract
Graves' disease is a rare disorder that continues to present clinicians and families with a series of challenges. There are no new established treatments for children or adolescents, but the outcomes of recent clinical trials and meta-analyses have helped clinicians to prepare families for the road ahead. We have a more refined understanding of how to administer antithyroid drugs, which one to use and how long to treat the young person. We also have a greater insight into how best to reduce any risks associated with surgery and radioiodine. We understand more about long-term outcomes and their determinants and have greater awareness about the impact of the disease and its treatment on quality of life. A holistic approach to management is key to supporting and counselling young people and their families about the diagnosis and management options. In this review, we will discuss the recent literature and reflect on how this should be translated into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura C Lane
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Paediatric Endocrinology, Great North Children's Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Claire Louise Wood
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Paediatric Endocrinology, Great North Children's Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Tim Cheetham
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Paediatric Endocrinology, Great North Children's Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Metwalley KA, Farghaly HS. Graves' Disease in Children: An Update. Clin Med Insights Endocrinol Diabetes 2023; 16:11795514221150615. [PMID: 37151843 PMCID: PMC10161304 DOI: 10.1177/11795514221150615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Graves' disease (GD) is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism in children. A common GD symptom is a goiter. The usual biochemical profile in children with GD is a decreased thyroid hormone stimulating hormone (TSH) level and high free thyroxine (FT4) and free triiodothyronine (FT3) concentrations. The presence of thyroid receptor antibodies (TRAb) is the most important specific immunological sign for diagnosing GD. The treatment choices for pediatric GD are anti-thyroid drugs (ATDs), radioiodine, and thyroidectomy, but the risks and benefits of each modality are different. Management recommendations include the first-line use of a prolonged course of ATDs for at least 3 years and potentially 5 years or more. Rituximab and Teprotumumab are new novel alternative medications for the treatment of adult patients with GD and Graves' orbitopathy respectively, but evidence of the efficacy and safety of these drugs in pediatric patients with GD is lacking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kotb Abbass Metwalley
- Kotb Abbass Metwalley, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71111, Egypt.
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Bartalena L, Piantanida E, Gallo D, Ippolito S, Tanda ML. Management of Graves' hyperthyroidism: present and future. Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab 2022; 17:153-166. [PMID: 35287535 DOI: 10.1080/17446651.2022.2052044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Graves' disease (GD) is an autoimmune disorder due to loss of tolerance to the thyrotropin receptor (TSHR) and ultimately caused by stimulatory TSHR antibodies (TSHR-Ab). GD may be associated with extrathyroidal manifestations, mainly Graves' orbitopathy. Treatment of GD relies on antithyroid drugs (ATDs), radioactive iodine (RAI), thyroidectomy. The major ATD limitation is the high recurrence rate after treatment. The major drawback of RAI and thyroidectomy is the inevitable development of permanent hypothyroidism. AREAS COVERED Original articles, clinical trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses from 1980 to 2021 were searched using the following terms: Graves' disease, management of Graves' disease, antithyroid drugs, radioactive iodine, thyroidectomy, Graves' orbitopathy, thyroid-eye disease. EXPERT OPINION ATDs are the first-line treatment worldwide, are overall safe and usually given for 18-24 months, long-term treatment may decrease relapses. RAI is safe, although associated with a low risk of GO progression, particularly in smokers. Thyroidectomy requires skilled and high-volume surgeons. Patients play a central role in the choice of treatment within a shared decision-making process. Results from targeted therapies acting on different steps of the autoimmune process, including iscalimab, ATX-GD-59, rituximab, blocking TSHR-Ab, small molecules acting as antagonists of the TSHR, are preliminary or preclinical, but promising in medium-to-long perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Bartalena
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Eliana Piantanida
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Daniela Gallo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Silvia Ippolito
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Maria Laura Tanda
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
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Mooij CF, Cheetham TD, Verburg FA, Eckstein A, Pearce SH, Léger J, van Trotsenburg ASP. 2022 European Thyroid Association Guideline for the management of pediatric Graves' disease. Eur Thyroid J 2022; 11:e210073. [PMID: 34981748 PMCID: PMC9142815 DOI: 10.1530/etj-21-0073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyperthyroidism caused by Graves' disease (GD) is a relatively rare disease in children. Treatment options are the same as in adults - antithyroid drugs (ATD), radioactive iodine (RAI) or thyroid surgery, but the risks and benefits of each modality are different. The European Thyroid Association guideline provides new recommendations for the management of pediatric GD with and without orbitopathy. Clinicians should be alert that GD may present with behavioral changes or declining academic performance in children. Measurement of serum TSH receptor antibodies is recommended for all pediatric patients with hyperthyroidism. Management recommendations include the first-line use of a prolonged course of methimazole/carbimazole ATD treatment (3 years or more), a preference for dose titration instead of block and replace ATD, and to avoid propylthiouracil use. Where definitive treatment is required either total thyroidectomy or RAI is recommended, aiming for complete thyroid ablation with a personalized RAI activity. We recommend avoiding RAI in children under 10 years of age but favor surgery in patients with large goiter. Pediatric endocrinologists should be involved in all cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiaan F Mooij
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Correspondence should be addressed to C F Mooij or A S P van Trotsenburg: or
| | - Timothy D Cheetham
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
| | - Frederik A Verburg
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Anja Eckstein
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Duisburg Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Simon H Pearce
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
- Endocrine Unit, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
| | - Juliane Léger
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Reference Center for Rare Endocrine Growth and Development Diseases, Endo-ERN HCP, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Robert Debré University Hospital, University of Paris, NeuroDiderot Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Paris, France
| | - A S Paul van Trotsenburg
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Correspondence should be addressed to C F Mooij or A S P van Trotsenburg: or
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